Evidence Technician

Town of Pagosa Springs•Hot Springs, CO

About The Position

Secures, stores, and disposes of evidence according to State and Federal laws and department procedures. Researches lost and found property and release to property owners. Receives, sorts, and secures all property delivered to the evidence room; at scene evidence collection; responsible for verifying evidence reports against property reports to ensure accuracy. Coordinates with Officers, Detective, and District Attorney on evidence to be submitted to Laboratory for processing; properly submits evidence to the Lab; receive and properly distribute lab results to Officers, District Attorney, and Records. Copy and/or download digital evidence including audio, video, photos (hard copy and digital), as appropriate and maintain chain of custody. Operate computer system to enter submitted items into Police Department evidence tracing system. Accountable for security and integrity of evidence room; responsible for preserving the critical chain of evidence; testifies in court when subpoenaed. Determines appropriate and lawful disposition of property; releases property to officers, property owners, the courts and/or other agencies; releases property for sale at public auctions, maintains accurate accounting of all property transfers and releases. Conducts periodic audits of property inventory; corresponds with officers and general public regarding disposition of property; matches stolen and lost property with property inventory. Handle monies submitted as evidence, safekeeping, or found property. Explains evidence room procedures to officers, the general public and outside agencies. Provides input into department policies regarding evidentiary procedures. Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED
Sufficient training to demonstrate an aptitude and ability to perform above and related duties
Three (3) years work experience preferably in a field related to above duties
OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
Working knowledge of evidence collection laws and procedures
Working knowledge of current office practices and procedures
Working knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation
Working knowledge of current filing systems related to alphabetical and numeric files
Working knowledge of computerized data base management and program applications
Working knowledge of administrative procedures
Working knowledge of computer software including spreadsheet uses and word processing applications (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)
Knowledge of criminal Justice System Organizations
Knowledge of NCIC computer operation policy and procedure
Knowledge of aspects of a police records system
Knowledge of federal, Colorado laws, and Municipal ordinances, department policies and procedures, and police codes
Knowledge of evidence handling protocols and crime scene evidence collection and packaging
Proficient in the use of computer hardware and software systems traditionally used in an office environment and law enforcement
Ability to operate standard office equipment efficiently
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing
Ability to perform basic mathematical computations
Ability to work under time pressure
Ability to follow verbal or written instructions

Nice To Haves

Skill in establishing effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, other law enforcement agencies, court officials, and the general public

Responsibilities

Receives, sorts, and secures all property delivered to the evidence room
At scene evidence collection
Verifies evidence reports against property reports to ensure accuracy
Coordinates with Officers, Detective, and District Attorney on evidence to be submitted to Laboratory for processing
Properly submits evidence to the Lab
Receives and properly distributes lab results to Officers, District Attorney, and Records
Copies and/or downloads digital evidence including audio, video, photos (hard copy and digital), as appropriate and maintains chain of custody
Operates computer system to enter submitted items into Police Department evidence tracing system
Maintains security and integrity of evidence room
Preserves the critical chain of evidence
Testifies in court when subpoenaed
Determines appropriate and lawful disposition of property
Releases property to officers, property owners, the courts and/or other agencies
Releases property for sale at public auctions
Maintains accurate accounting of all property transfers and releases
Conducts periodic audits of property inventory
Corresponds with officers and general public regarding disposition of property
Matches stolen and lost property with property inventory
Handles monies submitted as evidence, safekeeping, or found property
Explains evidence room procedures to officers, the general public and outside agencies
Provides input into department policies regarding evidentiary procedures
Performs related duties as assigned